Church Brothers Collision Repair, a Butler University Athletics’ sponsor, is partnering with the Butler men’s basketball team for its 3rd annual “Stock the Pantry” pet collection initiative Saturday, March 8 during the Butler vs. Seton Hall game at Hinkle Fieldhouse, which tips off at 4:30 p.m.

Attendees are asked to bring donations of bagged or canned dog or cat food to benefit Indianapolis Animal Care & Control (IACC), the largest municipal animal shelter in the state.

On average, IACC takes in an estimated 44 animals a day, which amounts to over 16,000 dogs, cats and other animals annually.

“These animals might have a temporary home, but they have to eat to survive, just like us,” said Ted McClintic, president of Church Brothers Collision Repair. “The issue is the shelter heavily relies on contributions due to budget restrictions.”

“And that’s where we come in,” McClintic said. “We want it to be a team effort between basketball fans, faculty, the student body and area residents.”

With the help of Butler’s mascot Blue III, better known as Trip, Holistic Select is launching the drive with a generous contribution of food, and Holistic Select just so happens to be Trip’s cuisine of choice.

Donation bins will be on-site at every Fieldhouse entrance during the game, although contributions will also be accepted at Hinkle’s box office Monday, March 3 through Friday, March 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those unable to make the game.